‘USS Gabrielle Giffords’ Arrives in Galveston TodayPublic Tours of US Navy Ship Available June 9-10 at Pier 21

GALVESTON, Texas (June 3, 2017) – The USS Gabrielle Giffords will arrive in Galveston today for a week-long stay that includes free public tours in advance of its commissioning on June 10.

The ship is slated to arrive at Pier 21 at 10 a.m. Public tours will be available from 1-3 p.m. Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10. Photo identification is required to enter the ship.

Named in honor of the former Arizona Congresswoman, the $475 million ship is a 421-foot-long high-speed vessel designed to navigate in shallow coastal regions. The ship features weaponry that includes missiles, machine guns and fast-firing weapons.

“We are thrilled that Galveston was chosen out of many U.S. ports to be the site of this commissioning,” said Joyce McLean, a member of the USS Gabrielle Giffords commissioning committee and chair of the Galveston Park Board. “During the ship’s week-long stay here, Navy families and government officials from around the country will be able to see Galveston and all it has to offer – many, for the first time.”

The ship will be commissioned at a waterfront ceremony on June 10. Afterward, it will depart for its homeport in San Diego.

For more information about the USS Gabrielle Giffords, visit www.ussgabriellegiffords.org.